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Pain, PostoperativePhase 4NCT04362566

Bupivacaine for Post-operative Pain in Mohs

A Phase 4 study testing Bupivacaine in people with Pain, Postoperative and Narcotic Use, run by University of Missouri-Columbia at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Pain after MMS peaks on the day of surgery and slowly decreases thereafter. The most common post-operative analgesics include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and narcotics. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Pain, Postoperative, Narcotic Use
What is being tested?
Bupivacaine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
174 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
30 Jul 2020to 30 Sep 2021
Phase
Phase 4
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • a. Adult (18 years or older) patients being treated with Mohs micrographic surgery will be included in this study.
  • Surgical procedure must include one of the following:
  • Scalp rotation/transposition/advancement flap
  • Ear rotation/transposition/advancement/interpolation flap or wedge repair
  • Nose rotation/transposition/advancement/interpolation flap, cartilage alar-batten graft (ear donor site)
  • Cheek Mustarde flap
  • Lip rotation/transposition/advancement flap, wedge repair, Abbe flap

Who cannot join

  • c. Patients must not
  • be pregnant or breastfeeding
  • be taking scheduled narcotic medications
  • use narcotics as a drug of abuse
  • have an allergy to bupivacaine or other amide anesthetics
  • have a contraindication to tramadol
  • have been given narcotic pain medications during the Mohs procedure or subsequent reconstruction
  • have multiple surgical sites treated on the same day

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • University of Missouri-Columbia

    Columbia, Missouri, 65212

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Randomized Trial of Bupivacaine as Adjuvant for Post-operative Pain in Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Pain after MMS peaks on the day of surgery and slowly decreases thereafter. The most common post-operative analgesics include acetaminophen, ibuprofen and narcotics. Lidocaine is the most commonly used anesthetic in MMS, but bupivacaine has been shown in other surgical specialties to be an effective adjuvant to reduce post-operative pain and opioid use when injected locally in the immediate postoperative period. Bupivacaine has also been shown to reduce intra-operative pain during MMS. The investigators plan a single-blinded prospective, randomized, controlled trial to determine if post-operative wound infiltration of bupivacaine versus normal saline improves post-operative pain and decreases need for post-operative pain medications including both narcotic and nonnarcotic analgesics.

Read the detailed description

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is the first-line treatment for high-risk nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and is increasingly used for melanoma and other cutaneous neoplasms. The surgical technique involves multiple stages of surgery followed by reconstruction and is typically performed under local anesthesia in the office setting in one day.

MMS is generally well tolerated, but post-operative pain is common. Pain peaks on the day of surgery and slowly declines in subsequent days. Risk factors for increased pain may include flap or graft repair type, location on scalp, lip, nose, or ear, younger age, and increased number of lesions treated. Post-operative pain medication is not standardized in dermatological surgery, but often includes non-narcotic analgesics including acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and less commonly narcotic analgesics such as tramadol and oxycodone. Given the current national trend to reduce opioid use, a multimodal approach to pain management has been adopted by many surgical specialties to optimize analgesia perioperatively.

The most commonly used anesthetic in MMS is local subcutaneous infiltration of lidocaine 0.5 - 2% with 1:100,000 - 1:200,000 epinephrine. Lidocaine is quick-acting, can be buffered to reduce injection pain, and is well tolerated, but the duration of action is only two hours, making it less effective for post-operative pain. Bupivacaine with epinephrine has a longer duration of action compared to lidocaine (up to four hours), but it is rarely used alone due to slower onset of action and more painful injection compared with lidocaine. Bupivacaine is used in many other surgical specialties, including general, plastic, and orthopedic surgery, as a peri-operative adjuvant and has been shown to reduce post-operative opioid use. It is generally well tolerated, carrying a class-effect risk of cardiac toxicity in high doses as does lidocaine, but has been shown to be safe in dermatologic surgery when used for wound infiltration. A newer formulation of liposomal bupivacaine has been shown to be even longer lasting and safer, with pain control up to 72 hours and no reported cardiac toxicity. In addition, a recent study has showed subcutaneous infiltration of bupivacaine with epinephrine to be an effective intra-operative pain adjuvant during MMS compared to lidocaine alone.

Pain control post-operatively in MMS may be optimized by including bupivacaine injections at the end of the surgical procedure given its long-lasting anesthetic effects. There are currently no studies addressing the use of bupivacaine as an adjuvant to control post-operative pain during MMS. The investogators propose a prospective randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of bupivacaine injection at the conclusion of surgery for reducing post-operative pain and analgesic use.

Being tested
Bupivacaine, Placebo Saline
Keywords
local anesthetic
Medical subject headings
Pain, Postoperative

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • BupivacaineDrug

    Scalp flap: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc, Ear flap or wedge repair: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc Nose flap, 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc. Split volume between nose and donor site for melolabial interpolated flap Paramedian forehead flap: 5cc split between forehead donor site and nasal recipient site: 4cc forehead, 1cc nose Cartilage alar-batten graft (ear donor site) 1cc at auricular donor site in addition to bupivacaine used for nasal reconstruction, if any, that qualifies above Cheek Mustarde flap: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc Lip flap, wedge repair, Abbe flap: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc

  • Placebo SalineOther

    Scalp flap: 2.5cc salinefor 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc, Ear flap or wedge repair: 2.5cc saline for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc Nose flap, 2.5cc saline for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc. Split volume between nose and donor site for melolabial interpolated flap Paramedian forehead flap: 5cc split between forehead donor site and nasal recipient site: 4cc forehead, 1cc nose Cartilage alar-batten graft (ear donor site) 1cc at auricular donor site in addition to saline used for nasal reconstruction, if any, that qualifies above Cheek Mustarde flap: 2.5cc saline for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc Lip flap, wedge repair, Abbe flap: 2.5cc saline for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc

Study groups in NCT04362566
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
BupivicaineActive comparatorScalp flap: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc, Ear flap or wedge repair: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc Nose flap, 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc. Split volume between nose and donor site for melolabial interpolated flap Paramedian forehead flap: 5cc split between forehead donor site and nasal recipient site: 4cc forehead, 1cc nose Cartilage alar-batten graft (ear donor site) 1cc at auricular donor site in addition to bupivacaine used for nasal reconstruction, if any, that qualifies above Cheek Mustarde flap: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc Lip flap, wedge repair, Abbe flap: 2.5cc bupivacaine for 0-10cm2, additional 1cc for each additional 10cm2 up to max 5cc
Receives: Drug: Bupivacaine
Placebo salinePlacebo comparatorSaline in the same volume as described above for bupivicaine
Receives: Other: Placebo Saline

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. 24 Hour Pain Control

    Postoperative pain levels using a Visual Analog Scale of 0-10, where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain, during 24 hours following surgery in the intervention and control groups.

    Measured: 24 hours post-surgery

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. 48 Hour Pain Control 0-10 Scale

    Postoperative pain levels using a Visual Analog Scale of 0-10, where 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain, during 48 hours following surgery in the intervention and control groups.

    Measured: 48 hours post surgery

  2. Number of Narcotic Drug Doses Taken to up 48 Hours Post Surgery

    Number of narcotic drug doses (Tramadol 50mg) taken up to 48 hours post surgery for pain management

    Measured: 48 hours Post Surgery

  3. Adverse Effects

    Documenting adverse effects, if any, from long-acting anesthetic that are different from the placebo group

    Measured: 72 hours

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Apr 2020
  2. Study start30 Jul 2020
  3. Primary completion30 Sep 2021
  4. Study completion30 Sep 2021

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Single-blind RCT
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
174 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04362566
Sponsor's protocol ID
2022277
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
16 Apr 2020
Last updated
14 Oct 2026
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Patient data will be submitted from University of Pennsylvania and Columbia university to the University of Missouri primary research group for statistical analysis. The IPD will not be shared outside of this research team.

Publications

  • Tolkachjov SN, Brodland DG, Coldiron BM, Fazio MJ, Hruza GJ, Roenigk RK, Rogers HW, Zitelli JA, Winchester DS, Harmon CB. Understanding Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Review and Practical Guide for the Nondermatologist. Mayo Clin Proc. 2017 Aug;92(8):1261-1271. doi: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2017.04.009.

    PubMed 28778259
  • Saco M, Golda N. Postoperative Pain Management in Dermatologic Surgery: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Clin. 2019 Jul;37(3):341-348. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2019.03.004. Epub 2019 Apr 16.

    PubMed 31084728
  • Saco M, Golda N. Optimal timing of postoperative pharmacologic pain control in Mohs micrographic surgery: A prospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Feb;82(2):495-497. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.077. Epub 2019 Jul 30. No abstract available.

    PubMed 31374303
  • Roy CF, Azzi AJ, Davison P. A Review of Wound Infusion With Local Anesthetics in Plastic Surgery. Ann Plast Surg. 2019 Dec;83(6):e110-e117. doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000001916.

    PubMed 31192870
  • Dasta J, Ramamoorthy S, Patou G, Sinatra R. Bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension compared with bupivacaine HCl for the reduction of opioid burden in the postsurgical setting. Curr Med Res Opin. 2012 Oct;28(10):1609-15. doi: 10.1185/03007995.2012.721760. Epub 2012 Sep 3.

    PubMed 22900785
  • Chen P, Smith H, Vinciullo C. Bupivacaine as an Adjunct to Lidocaine in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial. Dermatol Surg. 2018 May;44(5):607-610. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001385.

    PubMed 29140864
  • Merritt BG, Lee NY, Brodland DG, Zitelli JA, Cook J. The safety of Mohs surgery: a prospective multicenter cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2012 Dec;67(6):1302-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2012.05.041. Epub 2012 Aug 11.

    PubMed 22892283
  • Limthongkul B, Samie F, Humphreys TR. Assessment of postoperative pain after Mohs micrographic surgery. Dermatol Surg. 2013 Jun;39(6):857-63. doi: 10.1111/dsu.12166. Epub 2013 Mar 6.

    PubMed 23464845
  • Firoz BF, Goldberg LH, Arnon O, Mamelak AJ. An analysis of pain and analgesia after Mohs micrographic surgery. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Jul;63(1):79-86. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.10.049.

    PubMed 20542176
  • Sniezek PJ, Brodland DG, Zitelli JA. A randomized controlled trial comparing acetaminophen, acetaminophen and ibuprofen, and acetaminophen and codeine for postoperative pain relief after Mohs surgery and cutaneous reconstruction. Dermatol Surg. 2011 Jul;37(7):1007-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02022.x. Epub 2011 May 11.

    PubMed 21561527
  • Evans T, Nicholas TA, Sutton AV, Wysong A. How We Do It: Postoperative Pain Control in Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Dermatol Surg. 2021 Feb 1;47(2):280-282. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002279. No abstract available.

    PubMed 31809346
  • Lovich-Sapola J, Smith CE, Brandt CP. Postoperative pain control. Surg Clin North Am. 2015 Apr;95(2):301-18. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2014.10.002. Epub 2015 Jan 24.

    PubMed 25814108
  • Park KK, Sharon VR. A Review of Local Anesthetics: Minimizing Risk and Side Effects in Cutaneous Surgery. Dermatol Surg. 2017 Feb;43(2):173-187. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000000887.

    PubMed 27608208
  • Kouba DJ, LoPiccolo MC, Alam M, Bordeaux JS, Cohen B, Hanke CW, Jellinek N, Maibach HI, Tanner JW, Vashi N, Gross KG, Adamson T, Begolka WS, Moyano JV. Guidelines for the use of local anesthesia in office-based dermatologic surgery. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2016 Jun;74(6):1201-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2016.01.022. Epub 2016 Mar 4.

    PubMed 26951939
  • Sorenson E, Chesnut C. Liposomal Bupivacaine: A Review and Applications to Dermatologic Surgery. Dermatol Surg. 2019 Jan;45(1):68-73. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001628. No abstract available.

    PubMed 30148736

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 4 study testing Bupivacaine in people with Pain, Postoperative and Narcotic Use, run by University of Missouri-Columbia at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 14 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 14 Oct 2026). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

24 Hour Pain Control (time frame: 24 hours post-surgery). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04362566, which also lists 15 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 14 Oct 2026.

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